Principal Network Engineer

MidAmerican Energy Company; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

MidAmerican Energy Company is seeking a Principal Network Engineer in Des Moines, Iowa, to lead the design and implementation of secure network infrastructure. Responsibilities include overseeing network transformation, mentoring staff, and collaborating with cybersecurity and cloud teams.

The ideal candidate has at least ten years' experience in network engineering, strong knowledge of network automation tools like Ansible and Terraform, and is proficient in Cisco technologies. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required.

Qualifications

• Ten years of experience in enterprise IT network engineering.
• Proven experience with network automation using Ansible, Terraform, or Python.
• Expert-level knowledge of technologies including Cisco, Palo Alto, and Cloudflare.

Responsibilities

• Lead network transformation and technical mentorship.
• Develop and execute network standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with various teams for secure network integration.

Skills

Network automation and scripting

Cisco technologies

Dynamic routing protocols

Cloud networking integrations

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in information systems or related field

Tools

Ansible

Terraform

Python

Job description

Position Overview

The Principal Network Engineer leads the design, standardization, implementation and evolution of secure enterprise network infrastructure to continuously improve efficiency and reliability of IT services across on‑premise and cloud environments. This position serves as a technical lead within the organization and is a subject matter expert for the team in one or more business critical skillsets.

Responsibilities

• Serves as enterprise‑wide subject matter expert for network design, standards, and operations. Leads the development and execution of network transformation implementation, including data center modernization, cloud connectivity, and secure edge networking. Provides technical mentorship to network engineers and cross‑functional teams.
• Champions network inventory management processes, automation and orchestration tools such as Ansible, Python, and other tools to reduce manual effort and improve network agility through programmatic means.
• Defines and enforces network engineering standards, best practices and operational procedures.
• Develops and maintains comprehensive well‑documented detailed designs, standards, and diagrams.
• Stays current on vendor product roadmaps and maintains escalation points with key vendors to ensure a consistent focus on the technical roadmap and future technology enhancements.
• Analyzes and tests new technology trends, validating the impact on cloud strategy and reduction of overall TCO.
• Performs research of new technologies and makes recommendations to organizational management on new solutions.
• Collaborates with cybersecurity, cloud, application and infrastructure teams to ensure cohesive and secure network integration.
• Acts as key liaison with vendors, partners and service providers for technology evaluation and support.
• Present(s) technical strategies and project updates to executive leadership and stakeholders.
• Provides technical input to assist in development of project planning.

Qualifications

• Performs additional responsibilities as requested or assigned.
• Bachelor's degree in information systems, computer science or related technical field or equivalent work experience. (Typically four years of additional related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree. A minimum of three years additional directly related technical experience is required.)
• Ten years of experience implementing and running large‑scale enterprise IT network in network engineering.
• Proven experience with network automation and scripting such as Ansible, Terraform, Python, or purpose‑built applications for the same.
• Expert‑level knowledge of multiple areas of technology, including Cisco technologies (ACI, SD‑WAN, Nexus, Catalyst and wireless solutions), Palo Alto firewalls, F5 load balancers and Cloudflare, DNS and Domain Registration.
• Strong understanding of dynamic routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP), firewalls, VPNs, and load balancers.
• Experience with hybrid cloud networking and integrations with AWS, Azure, OCI.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Effective analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

MidAmerican Energy Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.